IRES: Fostering Ocean Renewable Energy Expertise through Collaboration with European Countries
Program Overview
The "International Research Experiences for Students (IRES): Fostering Ocean Renewable Energy Expertise through Collaboration with European Countries" aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in ocean renewable energy by offering hands-on research experiences in collaboration with leading European institutions. This program responds to the urgent need for clean energy and the global drive to address climate change by leveraging Europe’s advanced offshore renewable energy knowledge, resources, and industry connections.
Program Vision
This IRES program envisions a sustainable, globally competitive STEM workforce equipped with intercultural competencies and expertise in offshore renewable energy. By immersing students in real-world research at top European facilities, the program seeks to close the gap between the U.S. and Europe in offshore renewable energy research, fostering innovative, globally aware energy professionals. Participants will gain experience with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies and methods essential to advancing U.S. industry and research.
Participating Institutions
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9 months of online training and seminars
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3 months of in-person research experience in Europe
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Post-travel research presentations and professional development activities
Maynooth University
Maynooth, Ireland
Professor John Ringwood​
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Expertise: Ocean energy research, control systems for wave energy conversion
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Focus: Development and application of control systems for optimizing ocean wave energy extraction
University of Plymouth
Plymooth, United Kingdom
Professor Lars Johanning​
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Expertise: Hydrodynamics, station keeping systems, structural integrity of marine renewable energy structures
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Focus: Ocean wave energy research, hydrodynamics and station keeping systems for marine structures
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Torgarden, Norway
Professor Erin Bachynski-Polić
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Expertise: Design and analysis of support structures for offshore wind turbines
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Focus: Hydroelasticity, global analysis, and design optimization of support structures for offshore wind turbines
Technical University of Denmark
Lyngby, Denmark
Professor Yi Guo​
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Expertise: Wind turbine reliability, drivetrain dynamics, condition monitoring
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Focus: Improving wind turbine drivetrain reliability, reducing system cost, complex wind turbine dynamics simulation
Eligibility Requirements
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The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a U.S. academic institution. Preference will be given to those studying in fields related to naval architecture and marine engineering, ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and/or other renewable energy related field.
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Applicants should maintain a reasonable GPA in their current academic program.
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Previous experience in renewable energy, or related fields is not required but will be considered favorably. Students should demonstrate a strong interest in contributing to the field of ocean renewable energy.
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Students must be available to participate in a 12-week international research experience in Europe, with flexibility in travel and research timelines.
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Students from underrepresented groups in STEM are highly encouraged to apply.